Carribean Princess Review Sep 9 - Sep 16

[Whimsy]

For a US citizen, about three minutes.

 

Really? I thought I read where it took a long time and Princess was even changing St Thomas from one of thier ships due to it taking so long.

[jennglux]

we were also on the 9/9 sailing - will post my review when I get a chance...

 

as for immigration in St. Thomas - for me (US Citizen) it took about 2 minutes (and most of that time was spent walking - there was literally no line when I went)

for my husband (resident alien - UK Passport w/green card) - it also took no time at all

 

I believe that the itineraries that are skipping St. Thomas are the ships that have mostly non-US passengers, originating in other countries, perhaps? On Our sailing, according to Captain Kent - there were over 2400 US Citizens (or, as he said - "former colony members" LOL - the context was pretty funny - make sure to go to the Captain's cocktail party and you will know what I mean)

[KLLund]

Jenn .. do you remember it raining at sailaway ?? Perhaps rico an Francesca took all the rain for us ..

 

Good Review .. interesting how you can be on the same cruise and remember it differently..

[seacuracao]

The Horizon Court was a Scavenger Hunt. Bagels on one side of the room, Lox on the other. During lunch where Sushi was featured, amongst the very pretty trays of California rolls was the butter tray no one could find. Weird. Never did find yogurt.

 

If you find the Horizon Court to be full (as we did at times) keep walking aft, there is more seating.

 

Desserts at the Horizon Court were So-So at best, fresh fruit was always the best choice. Banana Cake was the best of a poor selection of cakes. The breads and rolls (except from room service) were very nicely done at every meal.

 

The Breakfast included very nice cheeses and a different smoked fish each morning, Smoked Mahi was the best with the Smoked Trout a close second. The cauldron of Grits sat next to some smoked Venison Sausage, ovened nicely and a great combination. Oddly, hidden behind that was the Miso Soup. looked good but was too full of grits to try it.

 

More later

 

Thanks for the culinary input. I, also, was surprised at the pastry offerings on board. The HC desserts at lunch looked like something from a home economics class. Ditto on the weak soups.

 

The on board systems were fascinating, would like your input on the speciality restaurants, if you go.

 

Thanks for the on board reviews:cool: ...

Chef Jeff (also retired)

[Whimsy]

we were also on the 9/9 sailing - will post my review when I get a chance...

 

as for immigration in St. Thomas - for me (US Citizen) it took about 2 minutes (and most of that time was spent walking - there was literally no line when I went)

for my husband (resident alien - UK Passport w/green card) - it also took no time at all

 

I believe that the itineraries that are skipping St. Thomas are the ships that have mostly non-US passengers, originating in other countries, perhaps? On Our sailing, according to Captain Kent - there were over 2400 US Citizens (or, as he said - "former colony members" LOL - the context was pretty funny - make sure to go to the Captain's cocktail party and you will know what I mean)

 

I'm glad to hear it doesn't take long. We have something planned for early that morning and I was afraid this would take a long time.

 

Thank you!

[sherman931]

St. Martin/St. Marteen – Day 4

 

Weather: Mostly sunny/a few clouds

Dress: Casual

Menu: Italian Night – Veal Chop, Turbot, Italian Pot Roast

Caribe: Bavarian Buffet

 

Upon waking I found is docked at the pier at St. Martin. As best I could tell, we were the only ship in port. I then went through our daily routine of getting coffee, blah, blah, blah. I am sure you are bored and are not interested in reading about it any more than I feel like riting about it.

 

As I said at the beginning we are not very big on shore excursions and had been to St. Martin on previous cruises. During the cruise, the ship seemed to be conducting a lot more emergency drills than I experienced on other cruises, especially while in port. Several of the crew mentioned that they were preparing for a major coast guard inspection. I’m not complaining, in fact I was impressed because those crew I spoke with seemed apprehensive about the inspection and wanted to be sure if they got questioned about any emergency procedures they would know the answers. I was happy to see everyone seemed to take the exercises very seriously.

 

DW and I stayed aboard and enjoyed the luxury of having the run of the ship with a few other passengers. Our friends Len and Julie went ashore to do some shopping. We would do our shopping tomorrow at St. Thomas.

 

I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but I did a laundry this afternoon.

 

During the day in port the ship had the usual activities such as Trivia, Scatagories, Ping Pong Tournament, Bridge, Afternoon Tea, etc.

 

MUTS Morning and afternoon: Ice Age, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Spiderman and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

 

Afternoon Movie 2:30 PM Explorers Lounge: The Queen

 

Everyone was required to be back on board at 5:30 PM and, lo and behold, our passengers were well behaved and the last one boarded about 5:27 PM. We sailed out of St. Martin around 6PM. On most of my cruises the ship always seemed to be waiting for those two or three inconsiderate passengers who don’t have the courtesy to be back on time; and then even as they stroll down the pier, they don’t seem like they’re in any hurry and we can all just wait a few more minutes. If I was the Captain, I wouldn’t care of they were 30ft from the gangway, when the deadline was reached, I would pull it in and sail off. But, I guess that’s why I am not the Captain.

 

We went to Crooners for our pre-dinner cocktails and then headed for dinner. Tonight was Italian Night. Italian Night without spaghetti and meatballs – fagedaboutit!

 

After dinner we went to the Princess Theatre to see the Hypnotist, Gavin Hooper who was pretty good. After that we stayed for the “The International Crew Show” in which some of the talented crew members perform for the passengers. This was not the best crew show I have seen. There was a crew member from China who sang “O Solo Mia” in tribute to Pavarotti. He was pretty good.

 

Note: It was Rosh Hashanah and religious services were offered for the Jewish passengers.

 

Other Entertainment and Events

 

Casino – Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament

Explorer’s Lounge – Domino

Club Fusion – Tex Mex Western Party, London Pub Night

Skywalker’s – All Request Express

MUTS – Shrek The Third

 

St. Thomas – Day 5

 

Weather: Mostly sunny and hot

Dress: Casual

Menu: Chef’s Dinner – Roast Pork, Lamb, Alaskan King Crab Legs

Caribe: Mexican Buffet

 

Note: I don’t know if this is now a standard practice but all the passengers are required go through a Customs and Border Protection Inspection. Lucky us, we had to be in Club Fusion with the appropriate documents ( Passport and/or other acceptable I.D.) at 7:45 AM whether or not you were leaving the ship. It was like a parade, you entered Club Fusion on one side, walked through, showing your documents, and then out the other door. The inspection was as quick as it took us to walk through Club Fusion.

 

As yesterday, when I awoke, (earlier than I had planned due to the above inspection) we were docked at the pier, this time in St. Thomas. I was surprised to find that we were tied up at a different location than my former visits to St. Thomas. I found out we were docked at the “new” pier at a location known as Crown Bay. Previously we had docked at Havensight Mall.

 

There are far more shops at Havensight than Crown Bay, which had only about a half-dozen. There are many vacant store fronts in the new development and I am sure over time there will be many more shops. We all went ashore for some shopping.

 

As usual, the ship offered the usual afternoon activities as described previously, which I won’t mention again to spare both your reading and my typing. By now I think you get the gist of what goes on aboard the ship during a port stay.

 

MUTS AM & PM – Oceans Twelve, Must Love Dogs, Spiderman 2, Over the Hedge.

 

Again, at sailing time, everyone was aboard on time and we left port as scheduled. The Patter indicated there was a “Sailaway in the Sky up in Skywalker’s. We all headed up there and ordered drinks from the waiter. There were not very many people in the lounge. This was about 6 PM Around. By 6:30 PM the waiter and bartender had disapered and the few people in Skywalker’s who wanted a second round were out of luck, many not even realizing that we had been abandon. It was strange, but no big deal, we just moved on since it quickly got dark and there was no longer a view from Skywalker’s anyway.

 

Off to dinner for some King Crab Legs, which were very good. I wonder who had the job of slicing every leg in half so I could easily pick out the succulent meat. Whoever it was…thanks!

 

Entertainment and Other Events

 

Princess Theatre – Caribbean Caliente 7:15 & 9 PM; Movie “Little Miss Sunshine” @ 10:30

Club Fusion – Family Karaoke, Battle of the Sexes, Latin Fiesta

MUTS – Surf’s Up, then at midnight “Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Explorer’s Lounge – Domino Dance Party; Majority Rules w/cruise director’s staff

Casino - $500 Blackjack Tournament; Low Limit Table Games; Free Rum Punch Cocktails for guests playing in the casino after shows.

 

TO BE CONTINUED – FINAL INSTALLMENT, DAY 6, DAY 7 AND DISEMBARKATION DAY 8

[c&d]

Great Review. I was on this ship when she was brand new in 2004. If memory serves me right. I thought it was not very handicap accessible. At that time I was with my husband. This time I am taking my sister who has gait issues. She uses a wheelchair in the evening. If anyone has any info on handicap access please let me know.

[sherman931]

Great Review. I was on this ship when she was brand new in 2004. If memory serves me right. I thought it was not very handicap accessible. At that time I was with my husband. This time I am taking my sister who has gait issues. She uses a wheelchair in the evening. If anyone has any info on handicap access please let me know.

 

I can't give specifics about how accessable everything is, but I did see a number of people throughout the ship, and going ashore in the ports, in both wheelchsirs and battery powered scooters.

[One More Cast]

More on the Culinary Adventures:

 

Stand in Line For It:

 

Coral Dining Room Lunch, second day Lemon Sole; fabulous.

 

Palm Dining Rooom Roast Pheasant moist and delicious, Small Bite Tian of Seafood and Gin-Cured Salmon, Rack of Lamb medium rare and perefectly presented with a nice ratatoulie (sp?), Mixed Seafood with Saffron nage, Veal Ravioli with mushrooms and a Veal Jus, Venison Sausage in the Horizon Court Breakfast the second day, it's next to the Grits.

 

Try it for Kicks:

 

Small Bite Watermelon and Feta Salad with Pumpkin seeds

Nippy Peach Soup, wonderful texture but a bit sweet

Baramundi with Clove scented rice and Garahm Masala (this was served the last night which was American Night, go figure)

 

Avoid at all costs:

 

Horizon Court pastries

No-Fat Cherry Trifle in the Palm Dining Room

Any of the Panna Cotta desserts (it's alone one night and with the Menage a Trois another night...horrid as it is thickend with gelatin.

 

Oh, for those of you headed to Princess Cays, the buffet on the Island wasn't half bad, Polish Sausage got the best reviews. A reminder for thos on Princess Cays, swipe a burer or hot dog bun and take it to where the tenders land. Break it into small pieces and toss it off of the little bridge and see the beautiful fish come up after it, cheap entertainment for kids (of all ages)

 

Chef Jeff, what were your thoughts about the food?

 

Joseph

[barbarah33]

Thank you to both of you for these reviews; ship and food! I am going on my second cruise on the CB and reading all of these things is making me more excited for my vacation. I am extra happy to hear that they have rolled out the new menus - I am a bit sick of the old ones; seeing how you get the same menu no matter what ship you are on, so having new things to try will be fun.

 

I do have one question though; before when I have sailed on Princess during the fall, they have always had Monday Night Football on MUTS but it wasn't mentioned? Has that changed?

 

I can't wait for the last installments!

 

THANK YOU AGAIN!!

[seacuracao]

More on the Culinary Adventures:

 

Stand in Line For It:

 

Coral Dining Room Lunch, second day Lemon Sole; fabulous.

 

Palm Dining Rooom Roast Pheasant moist and delicious, Small Bite Tian of Seafood and Gin-Cured Salmon, Rack of Lamb medium rare and perefectly presented with a nice ratatoulie (sp?), Mixed Seafood with Saffron nage, Veal Ravioli with mushrooms and a Veal Jus, Venison Sausage in the Horizon Court Breakfast the second day, it's next to the Grits.

 

Try it for Kicks:

 

Small Bite Watermelon and Feta Salad with Pumpkin seeds

Nippy Peach Soup, wonderful texture but a bit sweet

Baramundi with Clove scented rice and Garahm Masala (this was served the last night which was American Night, go figure)

 

Avoid at all costs:

 

Horizon Court pastries

No-Fat Cherry Trifle in the Palm Dining Room

Any of the Panna Cotta desserts (it's alone one night and with the Menage a Trois another night...horrid as it is thickend with gelatin.

 

Oh, for those of you headed to Princess Cays, the buffet on the Island wasn't half bad, Polish Sausage got the best reviews. A reminder for thos on Princess Cays, swipe a burer or hot dog bun and take it to where the tenders land. Break it into small pieces and toss it off of the little bridge and see the beautiful fish come up after it, cheap entertainment for kids (of all ages)

 

Chef Jeff, what were your thoughts about the food?

 

Joseph

 

Joseph

Bon Apetit!!! I missed the galley tour, don't forget it, if you are so inclined!

As for the food, Like I said and you re-iterated, someone needs to hide the gelatin from the Pastry "chefs". That part just bowled me over as I had dreams of fantastic displays, Garde Manger, etc.

Again, I found the lamb shank on Carib night a little gamy, but the Flying fish app was fantastic. I would not be surprised if both of those took a hit when menu was revamped. Prime rib was nothing to scream about, but that could have been because it was forefinger thickness, not thumb:D . Next time, I will order thumb thick and see what happens. I had the pheasant and it was good, not dry, but the Sauciers on the ship need some "Escoffier trainng" and reduction "introduction"

 

Sabatini's was nice, selections were ok, but I wish I had caught the Ravioli, that sounded de-lish. Definetely will check that out in the Palm this time! Let us know what you think about it!!! Ditto for Sterlings, had the Porterhouse, mistakenly got one for the wife(who is a die/well done/make sure there is no life left). Big mistake because they tend to undercook by a half grade. Next time I'll have them butterfly well done!!

Let me know what you think of them also.

 

Liked the way the selections were displayed on the buffet. The inserts for the food and the slight slant made for a very neat apperance (vs the cafeteria steam table "trough".

I thought the selections were great, for the most part, but It doesn't look as though an experienced FB person diagrammed that layout!! What a Chinese fire drill for normal folks. I rarely went to Bkfst because we like the luxury of room service and hanging out, but the couple of times I went I was glad I wasn't standing in the omelet line.

 

I don't care what anyone says, I think the pizza is great!!

 

Never, never did the buffet for dinner....worked all inclusives for 20+ years, been there, done that!!

 

Keep the food reviews coming, Jopseph, I am mapping out my feeding frenzy's from your reviews!!

Ciao

Jeff

[One More Cast]

You're correct, Jeff. The trays of food at the Horizon Court were well presented but poorly labeled; Peach Cobbler listed as Apple, Strawberry Cheese Cake listed as Cherry, etc.

 

Minor inconveniences which made lunch more of a Scavenger Hunt but easily corrected as the training improves.

 

Joseph

[Whimsy]

What all was served at Princess Cays BBQ?

[One More Cast]

Burgers, which were fine

 

Hot Dogs, just fair

 

Polish Sausage which was excellent

 

Spare ribs, tender and fairly meaty

 

Nice Slaw, lots of fresh vegetables (tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, pretty greens)

 

Cookies, brownies, etc all pretty good.

 

A 10 foot table on the patio had a variety of sliced fruits..all good.

 

Once you are tendered in and hit the dock, cross over the little foot bridge and the closest buffet is to your right.

 

Joseph

[gopher's girl]

Hi All,

Great review. I loved hearing about more of the day-to-day items (special events, movies, menu items). I am a bit of a foodie too, and love trying new things on the ship! Really looking forward to my cruise in November :)

Thanks,

-gg

[Sanibel*Gal]

Thanks guys, Love this review!!:D Will be sailing THIS SUNDAY 9/23....AND CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!:)

[alexspepaw]

Fantastic reviews...thanks so much.

 

Re MUTS, do they still have Rocky Horror at midnight? I need to know if I should bring my water pistol!

[alexspepaw]

Also...did you play in the Texas Hold-em tourneys?

[One More Cast]

After years of contributing to the Dealer's Relief Fund (as a UNLV student) I learned to stay out of the casino. No Rocky Horror at MUTS.

 

Bring your own alarm clock with a lighted display if you have an inside cabin, they are very dark and the ony clock in the room is on the telephone which is un-readable.

 

Joseph

[Rob42]

Thank you for the review. I am booked on my first Princess cruise on this ship and you provided much needed information. I have always cruised Carnival and will continue to do so just wanted to try Princess out. Once again thank you for a great review.

[kilbane]

I'll be finding out for sure in another couple weeks, but an earlier post by Sherman931 did mention that there was Rocky Horror at midnight on MUTS on Day 5 of the trip.

[judyjbest]

Fantastic reviews...thanks so much.

 

Re MUTS, do they still have Rocky Horror at midnight? I need to know if I should bring my water pistol!

 

Yep, they had it last week .. either Thursday or Friday, I have to check!

[Natonya]

I was CP last week as well and no disrespect to One More Cast but yes there was the Rocky Horror Picture Show on MUTS. Thursday at 12:15am (really Friday morning). Checked the patter just to be sure. I was going to go to MUTS that night. Didn't because of the movie. Not a big fan but understand the folks who are though so that's why I posted.

 

We had a wonderful cruise as well. First time on CP. Fourth on Princess. This last one was our second favorite and plan on posting a review as well. We had a rough start to the cruise and room service was worst than any cruise we have ever been on but we had a great time. We went with some friends of ours and it was their first cruise. It was fun watching them as it was like watching ourselves on our first Princess cruise. Weird, their room service was outstanding. I was happy that it was as it was their first cruise and I wanted everything I said about Princess to be true for them and it was. Dining room service was really slow for us and they messed up our table for four traditional late seating. However, once we talked with the maiter'd (sp?) it was handled. Was really impressed he took care of it so quickly on the first day.

 

Those new soups are awesome. The Sabatini's menu was new and great! Sterling Steakhouse not so great.

 

Natonya

[judyjbest]

 

I do have one question though; before when I have sailed on Princess during the fall, they have always had Monday Night Football on MUTS but it wasn't mentioned? Has that changed?

 

I can't wait for the last installments!

 

THANK YOU AGAIN!!

 

Yep, they had Monday Night Football!

[edcdcd]

What is the URL to sign up for the Nov. 11 Caribbean Princess Rollcall?

 

Thanks.

 

ED